Repotting a Palm Tree

Palm trees grow well in containers and most tolerate repotting well.

There are many different species of palm tree (Arecaceae or Palmae), most of which can be grown in containers or pots. Because even fast-growing palm varieties grow more slowly in containers, transplanting them is necessary only once every one or two years when the plant is in danger of becoming root bound or top heavy. Plants grown in greenhouses, however, may need transplanted more often. Palms can be transplanted during the spring or early in the summer and generally tolerate transplantation well, although some varieties that can struggle with transplant, such as the Dypsis decipeins and Bismarkia nobilis.

1

Choose a new pot that is about 2 to 4 inches larger than what the tree is currently in.

2

Mix fresh potting soil with some bone meal or slow-release fertilizer. Do not just place the fertilizer between the soil and the root ball as this can damage the tree’s roots.

3

Place wire mesh or screen over the drain holes in the bottom of the new pot and fill with at least four inches of soil. If there are no drain holes in the bottom of the pot, either drill some or place an inch of gravel on the bottom of the pot before filling.

4

Work the palm tree out of its container by gently pulling on the bottom of the trunk while tapping the side of the pot. It may be necessary to rock the plant back and forth a bit as you pull it form the pot. If the palm tree is tall, it may be easier to remove it from its pot while it is laying on its side. The key is to be gentle so you do not break the heart at the center of the palm or otherwise damage it.

5

Place the palm’s root ball into the center of the new pot and add soil until it reaches the same spot on the tree trunk as the soil in the old pot. Do not bury more of the tree than was under the soil already. Disturb the root ball as little as possible during this process - it is not necessary to loosen or cut the roots when transplanting palm trees.

6

Tap or shake the pot to filter the fresh soil down in between the roots of the palm. Add more potting soil if necessary to keep the tree planted as deeply as it was in the previous container. Gently pack the soil down around the base of the plant.

7

Water the palm thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes.

Things You Will Need

Potting soil

Fertilizer or bone meal

Wire mesh

Gravel (optional)

Tip

For large trees, place casters under the pots in case they become too heavy to lift and move when full.

About the Author

Writing professionally since 2008, Michelle Miley specializes in home and garden topics but frequently pens career, style and marketing pieces. Her essays have been used on college entrance exams and she has more than 2,000 publishing credits. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in accounting, having graduated summa cum laude.